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A sensual walk across the Lindisfarne causeway
Posted Tuesday 05 October 2010
Photograph by Ewan Mealyou
Oozy mud, glassy waters and moaning seals
We spent a summer’s day walking the Pilgrim’s Way from the mainland to Lindisfarne. Barefoot. A day of squidgy mud oozing through toes, of splashing through cool tidal water, of mulling on life and being captivated by seal song. We stopped on the way out, on arrival and as we turned with the sun lowering its gaze towards the still skies and glassy waters. We paused at points with brief meditations and breathed in the ancient air. From the island we caught sight of hundreds upon hundreds of seals basking near the mainland. On return the eerie song of these singing seals accompanied us on our return journey, reverberating between land and sky. Photos from trip.
Reflections from Teresa and Hopkins
Have you ever walked across a stream stepping on rocks so as not to spoil a a pair of shoes? All we can touch, swallow, or say aids in our crossing to God and helps unveil the soul. Saint Teresa of Avila, extract from I loved what I could love Generations have trod, have trod, have trod; And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil; And wears man's smudge and shares man's smell: the soil Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod. And for all this, nature is never spent; There lives the dearest freshness deep down things; God's grandeur, Gerard Manley Hopkins
A few comments
“I lived off that experience for a month.”
“I can still near those seals singing.”
Postscript
There is some thought of repeating this trip next year. Watch the Events space.
